ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P takes over as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command
Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P, PVSM, AVSM, VSM took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command on 31 January 2019 at Mumbai. He succeeds Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC who retires upon superannuation, after an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades in the Indian Navy. At an impressive ceremonial parade at the Naval Air Station Shikra, the outgoing and incoming Cs-in-C were accorded a guard of honour after which they proceeded to the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command for a formal handing-taking over. On completion, Vice Admiral Luthra was “pulled out” in true Naval tradition.
An alumnus of Sainik School Kazhakootam and the National Defence Academy, Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P was commissioned in the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 81. As a specialist in Missiles and Gunnery, the Flag Officer has served onboard frontline warships of the IN and abroad. Adm Ajit Kumar has the rare distinction of commanding six warships, including two foreign warships. These include guided missile corvette INS Kulish, guided missile frigate INS Talwar, guided missile destroyers INS Mumbai and INS Mysore. The officer has completed the Naval Higher Command Course and is also an alumnus of the prestigious Naval War College, Newport, USA. The Admiral has served extensively in the Western Naval Command in the initial specialist and Command appointments. He has also been the Chief Staff Officer  of the Western Naval Command.
Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P has also been the Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Fleet, Commanding Officer of Gunnery and Missiles Training School - INS Dronacharya, served as Assistant Chief of Personnel  at IHQ MoD  and Chief of Staff of Southern Naval Command. Promoted to the Rank of Vice Admiral in Dec 13, he has been Commandant of the prestigious Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala. His tenures also include extensive experience in higher joint defence management where he has served as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff  and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff , at the HQ IDS. He was the Vice Chief of Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi in his last appointment prior to assuming charge as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command. In recognition of his service, he has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2006, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2014 and Param Vishist Seva Medal in 2019 by the Hon’ble President of India.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
'Khadi Yoga Mat' launched on International Yoga Day
On the auspicious occasion of International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2023, Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission  launched the 'Khadi Yoga Mat' at KVIC Headquarters in Mumbai. Addressing the program he said that the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan' under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is setting new paradigms day by day. Introduction of 'Khadi Yoga Mat' is also a part of the same campaign. He further added that this Mat is completely indigenous and environment friendly. It has been designed in such a way that all kinds of Yogasanas  can be performed on it.
On the occasion, the Chairman released margin money grant of about Rs.25 crores to 237 beneficiaries of Western Zone under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Program  scheme. He congratulated KVIC officials and lakhs of Khadi artisans working in rural areas of country for achieving the historic turnover of Rs.1.34 lakh crores in the financial year 2022-23.
Prior to the launching of 'Khadi Yoga Mat', Shri Manoj Kumar performed Yoga and Pranayama with the officers and employees of KVIC in a program organized in the morning. Addressing the gathering, he said that in the year 2014, it was the efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji who had proposed the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate Yoga Day, which was soon accepted within a span of three months, and on 21 June 2015, International Yoga Day was celebrated for the first time. He said with the inspiration of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India in the form of Yoga Guru is now teaching the lessons of Yoga to the world.
KVIC Chairman further added that under the leadership of Prime Minister KVIC has taken the concept of "Vocal for Local" and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign to new heights. For the first time in the history of independent India, the turnover of KVIC products has crossed Rs.1.34 lakh crores, while 9,54,899 new employment opportunities also have been generated in rural areas. He further said that the 'Khadi Yoga Mat' launched today is a completely indigenous product prepared by the skills of Khadi artisans. He said we all have to be vocal for this new local product. And when we become 'Vocal for Local' for our products, then only our products will be able to reach the category of 'Local to Global'.
Reiterating the historical achievements of KVIC, he further said that PMEGP has set a new record in bringing together the youths of the country with the Swadeshi Abhiyaan of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This scheme accomplishes the dream of 'becoming a job creator rather than a job seeker'.
Ministry of Mines
Ministry of Mines issues General Instructions to Notified Exploration Agencies for submission of project proposals to National Mineral Exploration Trust 
New Initiative to Further Expedite Mineral Exploration
With an objective to boost the mineral exploration activities in the country, Central Government established ‘National Mineral Exploration Trust’  which since its inception has been funding various Notified Exploration Agencies to carry out exploration projects across the country.
Accordingly, NMET has issued General Instructions dated 24th February, 2021 to NEAs for submission of proposals along with detailed cost estimates based on the Schedule of Charges  of NMET for mineral exploration through NMET funds along with a certificate of actual status of proposed block area/land .
Now, it has been observed that there is considerable delay in a number of cases in providing the certificate of the actual status of proposed block area/land  from the State authority concerned. This has caused unnecessary delay in starting mineral exploration in the country. Therefore, General Instructions are further clarified for submission of the project proposals for NMET fund as given below: -
The Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. and other notified CPSUs shall send the request letter to State Government for certificate regarding the actual status of proposed block area/ land  from the State authority. The State Government shall provide the certificate regarding the actual status of proposed block area/ land  within 60 days.
In case of non-receipt of certificate from State Government after 60 days, the project proposal may be submitted to NMET Secretariat for technical and financial evaluation in technical cum cost committee . The Director, Directorate/Department of Mines and Geology, State Government will be invited to attend the TCC meeting to clarify about the status of proposed block area  during technical evaluation of the project proposal.
Based on techno-economic suitability, approval will be accorded for carrying out exploration work for the project proposal. Before starting the exploration work, MECL and other notified CPSUs shall confirm that the block area is not under any lease hold and that any other State/Central/Private exploration agencies have not taken up exploration work in the proposed block area.
This important initiative has been taken by the Ministry of Mines in order to expedite mineral exploration in the country and will help in achieving self-reliance in minerals and promoting economic growth and employment.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Financial Condition of Farmers
The last Survey was conducted by National Sample Survey Office  in 2013 and therefore, no data is available with the Ministry indicating the financial condition of the farmers. However, as per the last Survey conducted by NSSO in India in the year 2013, rural India had an estimated total of 90.2 million agricultural households, which constituted about 57.8 percent of the total estimated rural households of the country during the same period. Majority of the agricultural households which possessed more than 0.40 hectare land, reported cultivation as their principal source of income. Among the agricultural households having less than 0.01 hectare land, about 56 percent reported wage/salary employment as their principal source of income and another 23 percent reported livestock as their principal source of income. About 44 percent of the estimated agricultural households in the country had MGNREGA job card during the survey period. About 52 percent of the agricultural households in the country were estimated to be indebted.
Agriculture, including agricultural indebtedness, being a State subject, the State Governments take appropriate measures for development of agriculture in the State. However, Government of India supplements the efforts of States through appropriate policy measures and budgetary support. The Government of India supplements the efforts of the State Governments through various schemes/ programmes. The various schemes/ programmes of the Government of India aremeant for the welfare of farmers by increasing production, remunerative returns and income support to farmers. All these steps of the Government of India are for the welfare of the farmers of the country.
Further, the Government had constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee in 2016 to recommend a strategy for Doubling of Farmers’ Income  by the year 2022. The DFI Committee submitted its report and thereafter the Government constituted an Empowered Body on 23.01.2019 to monitor and review the progress as per these recommendations. To achieve this, the Committee has identified seven sources of income growth viz., improvement in crop productivity; improvement in livestock productivity; resource use efficiency or savings in the cost of production; increase in the cropping intensity; diversification towards high value crops; improvement in real prices received by farmers; and shift from farm to non-farm occupations.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Coal
NCL Donates Rs. 5 Crores to Uttar Pradesh for Purchase of 50 Ambulances
In a big support to help fight Covid-19, National miner Coal India arm Northern Coalfields Ltd  has donated Rs. Five  crores to the state of Uttar Pradesh for procurement of 50 Ambulances. NCL CMD Shri Prabhat Kumar Sinha and Director  Shri Bimlendu Kumar handed over a cheque of the said amount to the UP Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanathin Lucknowtoday.
“NCL's coal operations are in UP and MP States. I have assured Hon’ble CM that NCL will keep supplying plenty coal to the thermal power plants of the state. Moreover, as a responsible corporate citizen we are committed for the inclusive development of the state and as a part of our corporate Social responsibility  we have made a contribution of Rs. 05 crores to the state for purchase of ambulances during these trying times.” NCL CMD Shri Sinha said.
NCL, a Miniratna Company, is one the three subsidiaries of Coal India that produce and supply over 100 million tonnes  of coal annually. The company digs out coal from a total number of 10 coal mines out of which 4 mines are located in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh that accounts over 20% of the company’s total coal production. 57% of the company’s coal goes out to the consumers located at Uttar Pradesh majority of them are power plants. Over 14% of the company’s coal is supplied to thermal power plants of Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Nigam Limited .
The company has taken up various CSR initiatives in Uttar Pradesh and has spent over Rs. 80 crores in last five years for various development projects in the state. These projects majorly include Solar power electrification of 80 Primary Health Centres, Financial aid for Solid Waste Management in 13 Panchayats of Varanasi, Construction of Eco Park near Banaras Railway Station, distribution of around 15000 furniture in 1800 government schools, smart classrooms in schools, construction of roads, developing skills of youths etc.
NCL had produced over 108 million tonnes of coal and its coal supply  remained over 107 million tonnes in the last fiscal. Both coal production and despatch of the company in the last fiscal had remained over and above the assigned targets of 106.25 million tonnes. The company has to produce 113.25 million tonnes of coal in the current fiscal, over 45% of which has already been achieved.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Largest ever contingent of Ladies Without Mehram to undertake Haj pilgrimage this year
Special arrangements made to meet FOREX requirements including issue of a FOREX Card for Haj pilgrims through State Bank of India
SBI stalls at all Embarkation Points and connect with the pilgrims by SBI, through SMS
Helpline by SBI to help Haj pilgrims
For Haj 2023, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has taken several initiatives to make Haj pilgrimage more comfortable, convenient and affordable for the Indian pilgrims. Dedicated efforts have also been made to make the process of pilgrim selection objective, transparent, efficient, timely and without human involvement.
The applications for Haj and selection of pilgrims was done online. Out of a total of 1.84 lakh applications received, 14,935 Haj applicants have been given assured allotment . This is the largest ever contingent of women proceeding on Haj alone without a male member .
The applications received over and above the Haj quota have been finalised through an Online Randomized Digital Selection  process, without any human intervention. It is for the first time that the list of selected and waitlisted applicants has been published on the official portal immediately after the selection process, for the general public, in the interest of increased transparency. All 1.4 Lakhs selected pilgrims have been sent SMS informing them of their selection for Haj 2023. SMS has also been sent to waitlisted pilgrims informing them about their waitlisted status and position in the waitlist.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs has partnered with State Bank of India to make special arrangements to provide Forex facilities to the pilgrims. Unlike earlier years, when each pilgrim was made available 2100 Riyals by the Haj Committee of India, irrespective of his actual requirements, Haj Policy 2023 gives the option and flexibility to the pilgrims to arrange their own foreign currency or take lesser foreign exchange, as per their individual requirements. The Government has collaborated with SBI, to ensure supply of Forex to the pilgrims at the most competitive rates.
With more than 22,000 branches all over India, SBI shall facilitate providing FOREX and mandatory insurance for all the pilgrims, to meet the requirements during their stay in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The bank will reach out to the pilgrims in this connection by way of SMS.
Facility of FOREX Card is also being provided to all the pilgrims thereby eliminating the possibility of theft or loss of physical currency. In case this card is lost during the pilgrimage, the pilgrim can get his money refunded from the bank.
SBI will also arrange stalls at all Embarkation points, with dedicated focal point/nodal officer of appropriate level, to facilitate the pilgrims for collection of FOREX in cash or through the Forex Card and also to provide any guidance and help as may be required. A helpline shall be operated by SBI and the contact details of these nodal officers would be made public soon.
Ministry of Education
Shri Rajkumar Ranjan Singh inaugurates the New Delhi World Book Fair 2023
Shri Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for Education, Government of India inaugurated New Delhi World Book Fair 2023 today. H.E. Mr Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, Mr Vincent Montagne, President, Syndicat National de LEdition, France, Ms Annie Ernaux, Nobel Laureate, France, Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola, Chairman and Managing Director, ITPO, and Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director NBT-India also graced the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ranjan said that books play an essential role in our lives, broaden our horizons and allow us to travel the world while staying in one place.
He expressed his happiness to welcome France as our Guest of Honor country. As a part of this platform, hundreds of authors, publishers, book lovers, and eminent personalities from not only India but all across the world will be a part of this harmonious amalgamation of literature and culture., he said.
Shri Ranjan further said that this year's theme is Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which commemorates 75 years of India’s independence and marks the beginning of our journey towards Amrit Kaal. As we mark 75 years of independence, the National Book Trust, India has also released the India@75 series to honor our freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The PM-YUVA Mentorship Scheme was also launched to train India's young authors, with the theme of unsung heroes during the Indian national movement, while also paying tribute to those who perished.
He also said that it is a matter of immense pleasure that to mark India’s G20 Presidency, there is also a dedicated G20 pavilion as part of the Fair, in which a wide range of books from the G20 nations are on display for the public to explore. He informed that this year, the fair will also have an NEP pavilion to mark the successful introduction of the National Education Policy 2020. For the implementation of this policy, which is based on practical knowledge and is student-interest friendly, the central, state, and regional institutions of the country are taking innovative and effective steps, which will also be presented, he added.
Shri Ranjan also inaugurated the Theme Pavilion in Hall No. 5 after a guided walk through the G-20 and Foreign Pavilions as well as the Children’s and Language Publishers Pavilion. Shri Ranjan also interacted with the 75 PM YUVA delegates — who were selected following a competition and mentored by established authors under the Prime Minister’s YUVA  scheme.
The New Delhi World Book Fair - one of the largest book fairs in the world - is back in all its glory to regale booklovers. Organized by National Book Trust, India, in collaboration with ITPO the NDWBF 2023 is being held from 25 February to 5th March 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Vinesh Phogat on winning Gold in 50kg wrestling event
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Vinesh Phogat on winning Gold in 50kg wrestling event at the 18th Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta- Palembang, Indonesia.
The Prime Minister said, “Another tournament, another medal! India rejoices in the victory of Vinesh Phogat. Congratulations to her on winning the Gold in the 50Kg wrestling event at the Asian Games 2018. Vinesh's repeated success will surely inspire upcoming athletes”.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA REACHES SERBIA; ADDRESSES INDIAN COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS OF INDIA IN BELGRADE
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu reached Belgrade, Serbia today  in the final leg of her State Visit to Suriname and Serbia. This is the first visit by an Indian President to Serbia. In a special gesture, she was received by President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and accorded a guard of honour at the Nikola Tesla Airport, Belgrade. From the Airport, the President travelled to Gandijeva Street and paid respects at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi.
Later in the evening, the President interacted with the Indian Community and Friends of India at a Community Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Serbia, Shri Sanjiv Kohli in Belgrade.
Addressing the gathering, the President said that India and Serbia are ancient lands. In the modern era, India’s relations with Serbia were particularly defined in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement. India and Serbia have always shared an understanding of each other’s core interests, she said, adding that based on this bilateral foundation, she would look forward to interacting with the Serbian leadership during the visit.
The President said that Serbia has been a valuable partner in India's sustainable development cooperation programmes. On the global stage, she pointed out that India is recognized as a responsible development partner, a First Responder, and a voice of the Global South. Each of these aspects reflects our quest towards becoming a leading power, she said, and also referred to the leading role played by India on the issues related to climate action, counter-terrorism, connectivity, maritime security, financial inclusion and food security.
The President appreciated the Serbian Friends of India for their admiration and love for India. She said that their role in strengthening the friendship and understanding between India and Serbia is invaluable.
Please click here to see the President's Speech
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
More than 49.85 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 2.75 Crore balance and unutilized doses still available with States/UTs and private hospitals to be administered
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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|
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SUPPLIED
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49,85,51,660
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IN PIPELINE
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20,94,890
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CONSUMPTION
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47,52,49,554
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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2,75,88,573
More than 49.85 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far, through all sources and a further 20,94,890 doses are in the pipeline.
Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 47,52,49,554 doses .
More than 2.75 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs and private hospitals to be administered.
President's Secretariat
President’s Greetings on The Eve of Birthday of Guru Nanak
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, has sent his greetings to fellow citizens on the eve of birthday of Guru Nanak Dev.
In a message, the President has said, “On the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all the citizens living in India and abroad, especially the brothers and sisters of the Sikh community.
The life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev are inspiration for all human-beings. He showed people the path of unity, harmony, fraternity, comity and service, and gave an economic philosophy to realize a lifestyle based on hard work, honesty and self-respect.
Guru Nanak Dev gave the basic mantra of ‘Ek Onkar’ to his followers and insisted on treating all human beings equally, without discriminating on the basis of caste, creed and gender. His message of 'Naam Japo, Kirat Karo and Vand Chhako' contains the essence of all his teachings.
On the sacred occasion of Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary, let us resolve to conduct ourselves in a manner so as to emulate his teachings.”
Click here to seek the President's message